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| Stairstep Falls |
Starting from the far parking lot, head toward
the picnic tables and information kiosks. It’s
into the woods from there. After 35 minutes,
you will cross over the line from Gorges State
Park into Nantahala National Forest. As you
move from one jurisdiction to another, the path
turns from gravel to natural and untouched.
Look for orange blazes as trail markers.
5 minutes after crossing into National Forest,
look for a trail bearing off to the left. You will see
a sign that says “Rainbow Falls” to the right.
We are going to Stairstep Falls, so do not
follow that arrow. Continue straight behind the
sign. You will come to a moderately steep
descent for about 5 minutes down to the
Horsepasture River. You will find yourself in a
nice, level clearing, perfect for overnight
camping.
The trail continues at the far, downriver edge of
the clearing. When the trail is overgrown it’s
difficult to locate, but once you do, the rest of
the trail through the woods is clear. A few steps
in, you’ll come to a small stream crossing.
From this point, it’s about 10 minutes to
Stairstep Falls. From here to the falls, the
terrain is considerably rougher, less level and
narrow. The last 3 to 5 minutes is a steep
descent to the river; however, there are plenty
of obvious footholds and hand holds that make
your downward hike a little more secure. At the
bottom, climb out on the rocks and look up at
Stairstep Falls, one of the prettiest, and least
known waterfalls in the area.
the picnic tables and information kiosks. It’s
into the woods from there. After 35 minutes,
you will cross over the line from Gorges State
Park into Nantahala National Forest. As you
move from one jurisdiction to another, the path
turns from gravel to natural and untouched.
Look for orange blazes as trail markers.
5 minutes after crossing into National Forest,
look for a trail bearing off to the left. You will see
a sign that says “Rainbow Falls” to the right.
We are going to Stairstep Falls, so do not
follow that arrow. Continue straight behind the
sign. You will come to a moderately steep
descent for about 5 minutes down to the
Horsepasture River. You will find yourself in a
nice, level clearing, perfect for overnight
camping.
The trail continues at the far, downriver edge of
the clearing. When the trail is overgrown it’s
difficult to locate, but once you do, the rest of
the trail through the woods is clear. A few steps
in, you’ll come to a small stream crossing.
From this point, it’s about 10 minutes to
Stairstep Falls. From here to the falls, the
terrain is considerably rougher, less level and
narrow. The last 3 to 5 minutes is a steep
descent to the river; however, there are plenty
of obvious footholds and hand holds that make
your downward hike a little more secure. At the
bottom, climb out on the rocks and look up at
Stairstep Falls, one of the prettiest, and least
known waterfalls in the area.
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| Copyright 2011 by Tony Austin |
Downriver from Rainbow
Falls the water drops 50 ft
over Stairstep Falls
Falls the water drops 50 ft
over Stairstep Falls
| Difficulty (1-5): Distance (round trip): Elevation change: Trail time: Driving time: |
2 (the last 10 min is 4)
3 miles round trip
x feet
1 3/4 hour round trip
40 min round trip
3 miles round trip
x feet
1 3/4 hour round trip
40 min round trip
There are two options for your Return Trip:
1. Return the way you came. 2. For a longer
hike which encompasses a view of Rainbow
Falls, from the clearing, continue upstream,
following the river to Rainbow Falls. Then return
the way you came. You will pick up the same
trail you came in on upriver from where you
would have picked it up had you opted not to
continue on to Rainbow Falls.
1. Return the way you came. 2. For a longer
hike which encompasses a view of Rainbow
Falls, from the clearing, continue upstream,
following the river to Rainbow Falls. Then return
the way you came. You will pick up the same
trail you came in on upriver from where you
would have picked it up had you opted not to
continue on to Rainbow Falls.
Directions to trailhead: From the main entrance to Lake Toxaway Estates go west,
toward Cashiers, for about a mile to the junction with SR 281 south. Turn left and go
one mile to the entrance to Gorges State Park. Turn in and go a couple of miles to the
parking area for Rainbow Falls.
toward Cashiers, for about a mile to the junction with SR 281 south. Turn left and go
one mile to the entrance to Gorges State Park. Turn in and go a couple of miles to the
parking area for Rainbow Falls.
| 2009 |
| 2010 |
| 2010 |
Left: Leaving Gorges State Park, entering Nantahala National Forest. Above:
Down stream from Stairstep Falls.
Down stream from Stairstep Falls.